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Literary notes about affectless (AI summary)

The term "affectless" is employed to describe a state of emotional flatness or numbness, yet its usage often carries nuances that extend beyond mere absence of feeling. It is used to depict characters or conditions where there is an apparent detachment even in situations that might normally provoke emotional responses, sometimes juxtaposed with impulsive behavior [1][2]. In clinical contexts, it conveys a lack of affective expression associated with mental disorders, such as in descriptions of schizophrenic thinking or deep stupor [3][4]. Additionally, it is applied to portray repetitive, ritualistic statements delivered in a monotone or detached manner, suggesting a complex interplay between subdued affect and underlying distress [5][6].
  1. At such times she showed an affectless, impulsive excitement.
    — from Benign Stupors: A Study of a New Manic-Depressive Reaction Type by August Hoch
  2. The cases chosen showed persistent, quite affectless, yet very impulsive attempts at self-injury.
    — from Benign Stupors: A Study of a New Manic-Depressive Reaction Type by August Hoch
  3. " It is essentially an affectless, thinking disorder, usually acute, sometimes chronic, occurring among schizophrenics.
    — from Benign Stupors: A Study of a New Manic-Depressive Reaction Type by August Hoch
  4. Many cases showed the gradual development of an affectless stupor.
    — from Mental diseases: a public health problem by James Vance May
  5. December 12: Cries out in an affectless tone like a huckster, "Father MacN., take me to Heaven," repeating this over and over.
    — from Benign Stupors: A Study of a New Manic-Depressive Reaction Type by August Hoch
  6. December 30: Talks either about wanting to die, or wanting to go to Heaven, or wanting to go to Ireland, all this as usual in an affectless way.
    — from Benign Stupors: A Study of a New Manic-Depressive Reaction Type by August Hoch

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